Birds nesting much earlier?

DALE MILES 01 · #1 (**permalink**) 22-04-2011, 06:52 AM

Do you think Birds are nesting much earlier in the Spring or still in the winter in some cases, I noticed Mallard Ducklings on my local canal in mid march and Moorhens in early April with young, A song thrush nesting close by where I live in mid january...?

DOXHOPE · #2 (**permalink**) 22-04-2011, 08:58 PM

I found a goldfinches here in Northumberland April 15th with 4 eggs..

Welshie58 · #3 (**permalink**) 23-04-2011, 08:39 AM

I have seen a Raven building a nest in December, I think the seasons are a bit of a mess right now.

Hobjob · #4 (**permalink**) 23-04-2011, 11:03 AM

The BTO published a survey done between 71 and 91 which showed that of the species looked at 80% were nesting earlier by about 1-2 weeks.

They may well have published a continuation by now I suppose.

The problem comes when the food source needed for the chicks is not yet ready.